In an attempt to keep myself somewhat in shape for summer, I've taken up jogging again after a long hiatus. This by no means makes me an expert on actual jogging, but I can say that I've learned a thing or two when it comes to pre- and post-workout beauty routines.

The products and tips below are meant to keep you looking hot when you're feeling hot (like, literally, as in temperature). Keep reading, please!

Here's an example of how good I don't look when I jog. *Photo via popsugar.com.au

Yup, this is probably more my style. *Photo via posh24.com

Tip: Keep your hair up and out of your face.

Though I don't know too many people who workout with their hair down, I would caution those who do. Sometimes the sweat and oils that build up on your scalp travel right down your hair shaft and land on your face and back. This can cause unwanted (and easily prevented) breakouts.Product: Emi-Jay Hair Ties - $6 for 3

For three ties, this price may seem extreme (and I agree that these particular hair ties have become a little gimmicky), but these ties really don't snag your hair. Plus, Emi-Jay donates a portion of their profits to charity.

*Photo via emi-jay.com

Tip: Wear sunscreen or a hat if you prefer to jog midday.

I myself am a morning jogger, but I know there are many people who prefer to jog in the afternoon. This is totally cool, but just make sure if you're out in direct sunlight that you're using something to protect your pretty face from harsh sun.

I've sung my Sun Bum praises on here before, but I really, truly love their Face Stick. In fact, it's one of the only sunscreen products I've ever been able to use continuously without irritation or breakouts. It's the perfect size for carrying in your bag and it also smells like bananas. If you're not convinced by sunscreen, though, a baseball cap will provide at least a little protection and, bonus, it will keep your hair away from your face!

*Photo via trustthebum.com

Tip: Cleanse your face before and after jogging (or before/after any other type of workout).

Washing your face prior to a workout may seem silly, but when working out, your sweat, makeup and oil will mingle to create a mixture sure to cause pimples. By washing pre-workout, you ensure that your sweaty makeup won't cause any problems later on. Also, after working out take a few seconds to cleanse your face again for the obvious reason of, duh, sweat. Whether you want to take the time to do a full cleanse or you just want to wipe off with a facial towelette, anything is better than nothing.

If you're one of those who's going to do a full cleanse, use a gentle foaming formula like Easy Does It by One Love Organics. The goal here is to remove sweat and oil, not to completely strip your skin.

If you prefer the quick wipe down approach, you already know I've got some serious love for Dickinson's Oil Controlling Towelettes. Their ingredient list is minimal and they combine witch hazel with aloe for a skin-calming effect. Also, at $5 for 20, these are easily the most affordable product on my jogging list.

Tip: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Drinking water before, during and after your workout should be a no-brainer, but I really want to push this tip because hydration plays such a huge role in your skin's appearance. I dare you to skip one day of drinking water and I guarantee your skin will look dull and your fine lines will be much more prominent. Drinking water, even when you're not working out, is one way to guarantee that your skin looks its best.

Product(s): bkr bottle - $13
Though I am still using a plastic water bottle myself, I am a huge fan of glass water bottles. I think they're much safer (less risk of nasty chemicals like BPA) and pretty darn stylish as well. These bkr bottles, in particular, are gorgeous and come in a multitude of different colors. They might even make a decent graduation gift (hey, mom and dad!).

*Photo via freshfaced.ca

Now that I've shared all of my best jogging beauty tips, I'd love to hear yours! Please share in the comments. Also, if you're not feeling jogging, there's always this creepy workout alternative...

Apr 28, 2014

Staying with my sister this weekend has apparently revealed a lot to me about beauty, Toothy Tabs being the first beauty revelation. The second being that a majority of the women in my family (who have less irritated skin than myself, I might add) cleanse with only water in the morning. So, since learning this, I've been asking myself, "Should I be cleansing with only water in the morning also?"

Well, folks, I'm going to give it a try. I'm also going to keep a photo diary, though I'm not too sure if I'll be sharing it with you all. However, despite me sharing irritated complexion pics or not, I will most definitely be keeping a written account of this experiment which will be revealed at the end of, let's say, a 2-week-long period.

A completely unrelated photo of one of my sisters, her boyfriend, my boyfriend and myself.

Basically, during this experiment I'm going to continue on with my normal routine, except in the mornings I will forgo cleansing with an actual cleanser in exchange for cleansing with water and following with a mild toner (I'm thinking a mixture of Dickinson's and green tea).

I'm kind of nervous for the outcome, but my skin is always screaming at me for using so many different products. This water cleansing experiment will be a nice change of pace. Wish me luck!

Do you cleanse your face in the morning? Are you a fan of the water-only approach?

Apr 26, 2014

Some products enter your life unexpectedly. I came across LUSH Chou Chou... I Love You Toothy Tabs as I was nosing through my sister's medicine cabinet this weekend while I was staying with her. And even though though these aren't technically a beauty product, I was immediately intrigued and I knew I had to share them with you.

*Photo via lushusa.com

LUSH Toothy Tabs, an environmentally friendly toothpaste alternative, combine baking soda and essential oils into these little tabs that foam up like toothpaste when you chew them up and begin brushing. They're so weird, yet so much more fun than regular toothpaste.

They're teensy!

I will say, though, that the Chou Chou-flavored tabs take some getting used to (less flavorful than most conventional pastes and somewhat bitter), but the clean they provide is pretty awesome. My teeth felt so incredibly shiny after using these and surprisingly, my breath smelled wonderful despite the initial weird taste.

Here's you unnecessary mouth visual of a chewed up Toothy Tab.

Once I head home, I think I'll be purchasing my own box of these little wonders. They're a bit expensive at $5 for 40 tabs, but I think you could definitely get away with splitting each tab in half. At least that's what I'm going to do!

Apr 25, 2014

I've learned that if there's one thing natural beauty does well, it's lip balm and the awesome line of balms from Hurraw! is a testament to that.With 22 different varieties, recovering childhood Lip Smacker collectors can rejoice because these are essentially a good-for-you replacement.

*Photo via www.thecrueltyfreeshop.co.nz

The Hurraw! balms are filled with certified organic plant oils and other raw ingredients that condition lips long term. Also, some balms are tinted, some use Ayurveda, one has sunscreen, one pays your bills (okay... wishful thinking), etc. They seem to do it all at Hurraw!

You can never have enough lip balms, if you ask me. Purchase your Hurraw! Lip Balms here. Or if you're living in Lexington, Ky., you can also find some flavors at The Weekly Juicery (along with incredible, fresh juices).

Apr 24, 2014

It's not often that I get on here just to talk trash about a product, but I just spent Easter weekend at home using Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge Shampoo and my forehead is still vocalizing its rebellion with little clogged pores all over.

I've had a sneaking suspicion that this shampoo was causing problems before, but every time I used it in the past, I was testing another product. Not this time around! Now I know Hydra Recharge is the culprit.

And unfortunately, it's not like it even made my hair look good either. My hair always felt so weighed down after using this shampoo. (Okay, this could also speak more to my fine, somewhat oily hair type. This shampoo might work for someone with thick, dry hair whose skin also doesn't share my skin's aversion to silicone.) (Edit: Apparently some Number 4 products, mentioned below, do contain silicones, but for some reason they don't aggravate my skin.)

At my house where I live during the school year, I like to keep things sulfate-, paraben-free, etc. in the shampoo department, but I always forget to pack shampoo when I go home to hang with the fam. From now on, Number 4 and Avalon Organics are my newest travel buds. Lesson learned!

Since I'm getting all Negative Nancy on you, I want you to join me and tell me one product you just hate. Misery loves company!

Apr 23, 2014

I think some people have trouble hopping on the lip/cheek stain bandwagon for many reasons, but mainly because a "stain" is something bad that happens to white shirts when drinking red wine or something you got in trouble for, for doing to the carpet when you were a kid. Basically, "stain" has all of theses negative connotations, so many people are left asking, "Why on earth would one want to use a stain on their lips or cheeks?" Well, gorgeous readers, I could give you a million different reasons why stains should be in each of your beauty arsenals, but I'm going to start with the three most important.

1. Almost all stains are two-in-one: If you're a travel or convenience junkie like myself, you know that makeup can take up valuable space. By carrying one product that acts as your blush and lip color, you free up some space that can be used for important things like healthy snacks (or brownies perhaps).

2. Stains. last. forever.: At least, if you're buying quality lip and cheek stains they do. However, while this is a benefit, it is also a caveat. Many people don't realize that when working with stains, you have to blend those babies in quickly or risk sporting striped cheeks all day. Stain with caution!

3. They are perfect for the summer: In a season where sweat and oiliness reign supreme, you need color that will stick to your skin and not slide around. Yes, yes, Addison we now know for sure that stains stay put (See #2), but did you know they also give you this awesome light wash of color? The natural flush stains provide is perfect for those minimal makeup spring days.

Apr 16, 2014

If you're into fashion, you've undoubtedly heard of Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller. She is one cool, classy, sassy and fabulous lady who has a lot to say about fashion and a little to share about her opinions on makeup.

She's gorgeous!
*Photo via The Coveteur

Not known for her blending techniques or winged liner expertise, Medine doesn't use makeup in her everyday life and to that I say, "You go girl!" She exudes an enviable confidence in everything she does and I personally think it'd be a shame to cover such light with makeup. However, she has readers and business partners who disagree.

Apparently some guy (a supposed business "professional") called her "ugly as f**k" in an email on which she
was accidentally cc'd, leading her to address this issue publicly in her article, "Why I Don't Wear Makeup." I hate that the basis for the article was hateful comments, but I am so glad Medine wrote it. It's a great read.

Check out "Why I Don't Wear Makeup" for yourself if you get the chance and start being a little kinder to yourself when you look in the mirror. If you feel better without makeup, then you wear that naked face with pride (I'm admittedly still working on this). Yay, Leandra!

Apr 15, 2014

Do you ever try to put something eloquently, but then just end up typing out some expletives along with a product name because it's that exciting? Well, that's what I did while writing this post about the *Osmia Organics Flower Body Oil. This product is good, you all.

*Photo via osmiaorganics.com

Rose geranium essential oil is one of my absolute favorites, and a main fragrance component in this oil, so I was a goner from the first application. Its light, floral fragrance is earthy, reminiscent of summer camp and sunny days.

That being said, though, the other ingredients in this magical body elixir are nothing to scoff at. From avocado to jojoba, there is a generous helping of moisturizing oils in the Flower Body Oil that do their job and leave your skin feeling so soft. Then, essential oils of linden blossom and zdravets top off the pleasant floral fragrance. You just can't help but smile while slathering this on.

I did receive a sample of the *Sunset Body Oil as well, and I loved it almost as much, but Flower is what you really need for springtime. You will literally smell like a beautiful garden. I could see Sunset Body Oil being appropriate for a date or a night by the fire, though. It's so sweet and sexy smelling.

*Photo via osmiaorganics.com

Switching to body oils, especially during the warmer weather, is one of the best things I've ever done. Lotions linger and get slippery when you sweat, but body oils absorb completely. They're wonderful and worth the extra money.

To compliment that last sentence, I'm happy to say that ounce for ounce the Osmia Organics Flower Body Oil is a great value, considering its fancy ingredients. You can pick up your bottle here.

Apr 14, 2014

As much as I would've liked to actually be at Coachella this past weekend, I'm pretty content just online stalking hashtags like #Coachella2014 and #CoachellaFashion. I've even gathered a few of my favorite #CoachellaFashions and compiled them into one big Coachella Babes post for you all. Enjoy!

*via LA Weekly

My parents would certainly not approve should I bring home someone like this, but you know these guys have heaps of fun. Plus, I am all about bro-ing out in two piece fits.

*via Fuse

This girl looks great. Not only does her complexion glow, but she's also rocking the heck out of those shades. I'm in love with the poem around the rims.

*via Harper's Bazaar

Music festivals strike me as the place one would wear some variation of white linen, but this black cape (okay... I don't technically know what it is) is perfect. Here's hoping that's hand sewn embroidery around the edges. Swoon.

*via Vogue

People typically go for breezy looks at music festivals, but this structured blue dress is adorable. Plus, I think it meshes well with her red lip (though I could do without the teal Chanel bag).

And actually, check out this very accurate fashion analysis from The Guardian. The phrase "All signs point to there being a wormhole to 1993 somewhere in the Indio desert," is completely appropriate and I'm so happy people are taking a fashion back to my birth year. Woo, Coachella!

Apr 9, 2014

With all of the great bar soap options available on the natural beauty market these days, bloggers (myself included) are finding themselves more enamored with the stuff than ever. Rather than using harsh detergents and animal fats like older formulas, new soaps use a lot of nourishing plant-based butters and oils. And if you know beauty bloggers, then you know there is little more we love than some plant butters and oils.

Made of 86 percent olive oil (yep... that's awesome), Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap is gentle and moisturizing. Plus, this particular variety is unscented and would be great for anyone with sensitive skin. I even tried this one on my face. Unfortunately, olive oil is apparently a no-go for my complexion but, it didn't leave my skin feeling stripped at all.

Apr 2, 2014

I wrote the book on winter laziness. As soon as the thermostat drops below 50, I can be found inside, cuddled up in a fleece blanket with a warm beverage in hand. I think bears could actually take a lesson or two on hibernation from me. But, come springtime, I love to be outside.

Yesterday in Lexington, Ky., we had our first day of gorgeous spring weather and at 75 degrees, you know I had to be out and about. My boyfriend and I walked to get Graeter's ice cream, then afterwards we browsed some great local shops, including Michler's Florist and Black Swan Books, which are both pictured below.

Maybe I didn't burn 1,000 calories on our little walk, but I definitely had a wonderful time chatting with friendly store workers and rediscovering Lexington. I can't wait to see what spring has in store for me, even if it's just a few more ice cream cones! How do you like to spend your sunny days?

Apr 1, 2014

Beloved by models and average civilians like myself, RMS Beauty is a brand that takes high quality, natural ingredients and turns them into gorgeous glosses, balms, concealers, highlighters, etc. And after reading review after review about the miracle product that is the RMS Lip Shine, I decided I needed one.

The RMS Lip Shine in Bloomis for the faint of heart when it comes to color. It's a sheer, glossy pink with a hint of shimmer. Basically, picture spring, now picture your favorite cotton sundress. Got it? Okay, so the lip color you're probably wearing in your mind along with that dress is Bloom. It's light, springy and wonderful.

RMS Lip Shines (Bloom or the other colors) are perfect for everyday use, even if you're just going to class or to grab coffee with a friend. True, at $25, you're looking at pricey lip product, but the quality is awesome and they moisturize so well. I fully believe you get what you pay for with this one.

Have you tried any of the RMS Lip Shines? What about their other products?

Hello, gorgeous readers! My name's Addison and I'm your resident beautyholic. Vanity Talk is where I spend the majority of my time spouting cosmetic ramblings. If you have a PR inquiry, question or just want to talk about beauty products, email me at cainaddison@yahoo.com. I always love hearing from you. Now, read on and enjoy!